LIBYA: Libyan rebels fight bloody battle on Zlitan's eastern outskirts as they repel an offensive by forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi

Record ID: 375403

  • Title: LIBYA: Libyan rebels fight bloody battle on Zlitan's eastern outskirts as they repel an offensive by forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi
  • Date: 3rd August 2011
  • Summary: ZLITAN, LIBYA (AUGUST 2, 2011) (REUTERS) TWO REBEL VEHICLES ON ZLITAN'S EASTERN OUTSKIRTS FIRE AT GADDAFI FORCES / TOWN OF ZLITAN IN BACKGROUND REBEL FORCES MOVING FORWARD THROUGH FARM AREA REBEL FIGHTER FIRING ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADE MORE OF REBELS FIRING HEAVY CALIBRE WEAPONS AT GADDAFI LOYALIST SOLDIERS FIGHTERS FIRING RECOIL GUN MORE OF FIREFIGHT / TANKS USED P
  • Embargoed: 18th August 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Libya
  • Country: Libya
  • Topics: War / Fighting
  • Reuters ID: LVAAPX1LMKJJT39BZOP2UR1HAOQR
  • Story Text: Fierce fighting on the Libyan frontline west of Misrata in the town of Zlitan left at least eight rebel fighters dead and 76 wounded on Tuesday (August 2).
    As usual, there were no casualty figures given by Gaddafi's side.
    Footage obtained by Reuters of fighters on the frontline showed rebels on the very edge of residential neighbourhoods on Zlitan's eastern outskirts.
    The significance of capturing Zlitan would be a highly welcome boost to raising rebel morale following months of stalemate across the country. It would also divert attention from recent violence in Benghazi as Western countries backing the pro-democracy rebellion seek assurances that Libya won't slip into an Iraq-like quagmire if Gaddafi is finally driven from four decades in power.
    Rebels had advanced through farmland in the past few days to move the frontline of the conflict to the edge of Zlitan, one of two major towns between rebels in Misrata and the capital Tripoli.
    But despite taking heavy casualties in the past week, fighters have managed to consolidate their gains
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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